that may be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that may be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express possibility or uncertainty regarding a statement or situation. Example: "I understand your concerns, but that may be the best option we have at the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever that may be".

The New York Times

That may be possible.

The New York Times

That may be revealing.

The New York Times

That may be scaremongering.

The Economist

That may be so.

The New York Times

That may be debatable.

The New York Times - Sports

That may be overstatement.

The New York Times

That may be enough.

The New York Times - Science

That may be optimistic.

The Economist

That may be inevitable.

The Economist

That may be next.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that may be" to introduce a contrasting viewpoint or to acknowledge a potential objection before presenting your own argument. This can enhance the perception of your objectivity and thoughtfulness.

Common error

Avoid using "that may be" excessively in your writing, as it can make your statements seem weak or indecisive. Balance expressions of uncertainty with confident assertions to maintain a strong and credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that may be" functions as a modal expression, indicating possibility, uncertainty, or concession. Ludwig AI shows it's used to acknowledge a point before presenting a counter-argument, or to express a tentative agreement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that may be" is a versatile phrase used to express possibility, uncertainty, or concession. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for most registers, overusing it can weaken your writing. Consider alternatives like "it could be" or "it's possible" for stylistic variation. Remember to use it thoughtfully to enhance objectivity and maintain a balanced tone in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be

Uses a different modal verb to express a similar level of possibility.

it might be

Another modal verb alternative, suggesting a slightly lower probability.

it is possible

Focuses on the possibility aspect, removing the element of uncertainty.

that seems likely

Indicates a belief that something is probable based on available evidence.

it is conceivable

Highlights the imaginability or believability of something.

that is plausible

Emphasizes the apparent truth or reasonableness of something.

that is a possibility

Rephrases the idea as a noun phrase, highlighting the potential.

it's not impossible

Uses a double negative to suggest a degree of possibility.

it is within the realm of possibility

A more formal way of expressing that something is possible, even if unlikely.

it remains to be seen

Indicates that the truth of something is not yet known and will only be revealed in time.

FAQs

How can I use "that may be" in a sentence?

The phrase "that may be" is used to express possibility or concession. For example, "The plan has risks, but "that may be" the only way forward."

What are some alternatives to "that may be"?

Alternatives include "it could be", "it might be", or "it is possible", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "this may be" instead of "that may be"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "this may be" typically refers to something closer or more immediate, while "that may be" refers to something more distant or already mentioned.

How does the formality of "that may be" compare to "it could be"?

"That may be" and "it could be" are generally considered interchangeable in terms of formality, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the surrounding wording.